Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus is a chronic, recurrent condition of the skin and mucous membranes which generally affects the ano-genital region. It is most common in older women and can lead to scarring and degeneration of the skin and mucosa around the genitalia. There is no cure, though treatment with strong topical corticosteroid creams and ointments helps to control the condition.

Symptoms

Lichen Sclerosus is characterized by changes in the skin of the genital area that becomes thin and faded and develops small white patches which can join up over time. The most common symptom is itch which is often more intense during the night and with the progression of the disease. Localised burning, pain and dryness also occur and sufferers may experience pain during intercourse and difficulty urinating.

Causes

The causes of the disease are not completely clear, though it may run in families. It is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Background Information

Lichen Sclerosus is not thought to be common although figures vary according to different authorities. Some suggest that as many as 1 in 300 women have this condition but it is often undiagnosed or confused with Candida (Thrush) by clinicians. Whilst it is most common in adult women it can also affect pre-pubertal children and adult males too.

How does DermaSilk Intimo Help?

The effect of DermaSilk underwear was investigated in 42 women suffering from chronic, long standing vulvar Lichen Sclerosus. All patients were prescribed a strong topical steroid cream to be used once daily on the affected area. Half of the patients were randomly chosen to use DermaSilk briefs. The other half were used as a control group and instructed to use only cotton briefs. Neither the patients nor the clinicians knew who was in which group. The briefs were used exclusively throughout the 6 month study period.

Results

Symptoms such as itching, pain, burning, dryness and dyspareunia (painful intercourse) were markedly reduced within the first month in the DermaSilk group in comparison with the control group. At the end of the study the improvement obtained in the DermaSilk® group was significantly greater than in the Cotton group, leading in many cases to the complete disappearance of the symptoms.

The investigators concluded that DermaSilk was significantly more effective than cotton in relieving the symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus.

“Perhaps, most importantly, all patients decided that they wanted to continue using DermaSilk, even after the observation period was complete.”

These results have allowed DermaSilk briefs to be listed BY BRAND in the European Guidelines for the Management of Lichen Sclerosus. No other silk briefs can do what DermaSilk Briefs can.

Clinical data produced in the form of a medical poster shows a significant reduction in the symptoms of LS within a month. click here